March 3 (New Orleans) – Christopher Stuckey, a UNO undergrad and local kiteboarding instructor, is participating in the 2009 Leukemia Cup Regatta, a national sailing race held annually at yacht clubs throughout the country to raise money to fight blood cancer. Sponsored by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the New Orleans chapter holds its events each year the weekends of March 21 – 22 and 28 – 29.

As a participant, Stuckey will not be taking part as a sailor in the traditional sense. A semi-pro kiteboarder, Stuckey plans to cross Lake Pontchartrain, which spans approximately 24 miles from north to south, in an effort to raise $10,000 for the LLS.

Stuckey’s inspiration to participate in the Leukemia Cup Regatta came from his father, Terry Stuckey, who died at the age of 43 two years after being diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in the fall of 1995.

“I consider my family to be, in the truest sense, victims of leukemia,” says Stuckey. “When I first heard about the Leukemia Cup Regatta, I instantaneously felt compelled and motivated to get involved with this fundraising effort. Water and wind is something that I’m very much familiar with, however, the problem is that I’m not much of a sailor. By kiteboarding, I hope to bring additional attention to the Regatta’s cause by doing something unique and dynamic.”

Regularly updated, the crossing date will be announced via email to contributors who have made a charitable donation directly to the website. The crossing will begin any date during or after March 21st, dictated by safe and rideable weather conditions. To make a donation: http://www.active.com/donate/leukemiacu ... teCrossing

“I must tell you that I am truly impressed with Chris and his dedication to this very important cause,” remarked Loree LeBoeuf, LLS Campaign Manager. “My youngest daughter, age 6, is a two-time leukemia survivor, and I believe that she is here today, not only by the grace of God, but also through the strides made by research funded by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. LLS's mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million in research specifically targeting blood cancers.